What Is a Geographic Information System (GIS)?

graphic depicting layers of GIS information A geographic information system (GIS) integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying information with a geographic component. Almost all data has some sort of geographic component associated with it, such as a country, city, address, or latitude and longitude lines.

To learn more about GIS:

Visit NCI's Geographic Information Systems Web site, a central source of information about GIS and related resources with information on ways in which the National Cancer Institute makes use of GIS technology.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers information about public health applications of GIS technology, through the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).